New maximum rates for experts came into force on 1 April 2013
The changes apply to work carried out by experts in all civil, family and crime work with a case start date or representation order date of on or after 1 April 2013.
The rate changes are being made under the:
•Civil Legal Aid (Remuneration) Regulations 2013
•Criminal Legal Aid (Remuneration) Regulations 2013
Maximum rates for experts have been in place since October 2011. But the 2013 Remuneration Regulations will introduce changes to some of the rates from April 2013, including:
•removing the London/non-London rate differentials for many of the expert types
•introducing a new higher rate for surveyors working in housing disrepair matters
The existing rates will continue to apply to cases started after 3 October 2011 but before 1 April 2013.
Please click here for full details. The new rates can be found in SCHEDULE 5.
The main changes affecting Mental Health are that the hourly rate for psychiatrists has been increased in London from £90 to £135 and Psychologists are now at £117. There is no reference to social workers.